Here is the full version of Adam Beard’s Fuck Buttons review from issue 19 of Now Then, which was somewhat savagely edited due to space restrictions. Enjoy…
Fuck Buttons / Zun Zun Egui / Forest Creature
@ Corporation
October 18th
By Adam Beard.
For reasons too dull to divulge, tonight is due to be my first encounter with Forest Creature. And for duller reasons yet, 95% of their set was heard through the stifling post-industrial concrete flooring of Corporation. Needless to say, now is not the time for objective evaluation of the FC experience. That will come. One day.
Zun Zun Egui were one of many pleasant surprises for the writer at this year’s Green Man Festival. Though it’s not until they take to the stage it becomes apparent I have many false recollections of the time. Whether due to the intoxicating nature of Egui’s show, or of intoxicants, I’m not fully sure. Regardless, Egui’s blend of tribal musings is immediately absorbing. Main singer/guitarist Kush’s six string dexterity is a perfect counterpoint to the various primal yelps and barks of his vocal delivery, the whole thing underpinned by drummer Matthew’s performance as though a chemically stimulated Jim White. The whole thing could come off a little worthy, but there’s a humour and a balance to it that pitches up just right. Recommended.
And so to Fuck Buttons. An entity whose chosen moniker tells you all you need to know about their willingness to play the game. Touring sophomore album Tarot Sport, we’re treated to pretty much a 50/50 mix of old and new alike. Though the set loses a little momentum towards the end, this is more to do with a lack of familiarity with the material than the material itself. The likes of ‘Bright Tomorrow’ remind why they’re so special, and new single ‘Surf Solar’ proving the perfect introduction to their latest LP.
